Diogo Jota was killed in a car crash in northwest Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning, with the Liverpool and Portugal star's death sending shockwaves through the footballing world
10:56, 03 Jul 2025
Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota has passed away(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Tragedy has struck the football world with the devastating news that Liverpool star Diogo Jota has lost his life in a car crash in northwest Spain.
The 28-year-old forward was travelling with his brother Andre in a Lamborghini when it careered off the road and burst into flames, claiming both their lives. The accident occurred on the A-52, approximately 70 miles west of Valladolid, at around 12.40am on Thursday morning.
It is believed that a blown tyre caused the vehicle to veer off the road while overtaking another car. Emergency services, including firefighters and the Civil Guard, rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze, which had spread to nearby vegetation. Medical personnel confirmed the deaths of both passengers shortly after arriving at the site.
Jota, who had recently married partner Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children, had described himself as "the luckiest man in the world" to be her husband.
The football community has been left in a state of shock, with tributes pouring in for the Portuguese forward. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher expressed his devastation on social media, saying: "Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota. Thoughts are with his wife Rute and their three kids."
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand posted a heartfelt message, stating: "Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family and friends!".
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Diogo Jota and wife Rute Cardoso
Diogo Jota recently got married to Rute Cardoso(Image: Instagram/rutecfcardoso14)
Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota has been killed in a car crash tragedy(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Ruben Neves, a former team-mate of Jota's at Wolves and with the Portugal national side, paid an emotional tribute, saying: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!"
Liverpool issued a heartfelt statement, saying: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.We will continue to provide them with our full support."
Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The Portuguese Football Federation also expressed their sorrow, stating: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, this morning, in Spain.
"Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all colleagues and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference in his own community. The Portuguese Football Federation expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players respectively played.
"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily."
Jota celebrating with Darwin Nunez
Jota scored 65 goals for the Reds(Image: Getty Images)
Jota had made 182 appearances for Liverpool, netting 65 goals. He clinched the Premier League title with the team last season, and lifted the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022.
He signed for the Reds from Wolves in 2020 in a £45million deal. His previous clubs include Atletico Madrid, Porto and Pacos de Ferreira. He also represented Portugal 49 times, netting 14 goals.
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Jota's brother Andre Silva was also a footballer, playing for Liga Portugal 2 team Penafiel at the time of his passing.